Lots of people are talking about the Accelerated X spec and what it means for Ubuntu. I think we should be absolutely clear about this:

We are installing binary drivers to gain users.

So why not multimedia codecs?

Gaining users is good, but if we are talking about gaining users, lets solve some bigger issues first. First among them, multimedia. People are constantly whining and grousing about lack of multimedia support on Linux, far more so then extra bling.

I absolutely guarantee you that 99% of all users will watch or listen to some sort of media while on the computer at some point, far more those that care about shiny, bouncy, flamy, spinny crap. Given that 95% of this media is in formats we don't support by default, we have an issue.

Thus, a modest proposal: Lets sign deals with Fluendo, Franhaufer, etc. so we can install these (assuredly binary-only) codecs.

Fluendo already has a binary MP3 codec for us. We actually ship it in multiverse already. They are working on a DVD one (the primary reason why DVDs don't work with Gstreamer0.10 is because no Fluendo employee can work on the free stuff due to contracts with the DVDA)

Now how is this more evil than Accelerated X? I challenge you to come up with a coherent argument. Email me. I will post the best responses.

Slippery slope. Oh indeed.